Sources of Law
Laws passed by legislatures
Statutory Law
Governs private disputes
Civil Law
Where cases start
Courts of Original Jurisdiction
Neutral helps parties agree
Mediation
Person who files lawsuit
Plaintiff
Law made by judges
Common Law
Deals with crimes
Criminal Law
Review lower court decisions
Appellate Courts
Neutral makes binding decision
Arbitration
Person being sued
Defendant
Highest law of the land
U.S. Constitution
Defines rights and duties
Substantive Law
Highest U.S. court
Supreme Court
Lawsuit between private parties
Civil Case
Money awarded
Damages
U.S. Constitution
Administrative Law
Describes court processes
Procedural Law
Handle federal issues
Federal Courts
Alternatives to court
ADR
Written court decision
Opinion
Past court rulings
Precedent
Applies nationwide
Federal Law
Power to hear a case
Jurisdiction
Resolve outside court
Settlement
Court order to do or stop
Injunction